Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

In 2020, Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). QAVS is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Sharnbrook Mill Theatre is one of only 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups who received the prestigious award in 2020.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and is announced each year, on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

The award recognises the work our volunteers have undertaken to transform the former redundant, historic water mill into a thriving community theatre, for more than 40 years.

Douglas Pope, Chairman of the Trust said:

“It is a great honour to receive this award which is in recognition of the selfless endeavours of so many since we embarked upon the “Mill Theatre Project “ in 1975. This achievement enables us to welcome and encourage anyone, whatever their age or ability, to participate in every aspect of theatre. Our volunteers not only make it possible to present quality theatrical productions, but with their assistance we are able to continually improve the building, keep our wardrobe stocked, arrange the props and sets and tirelessly fundraise to keep our unique building running, whatever the situation.”

You can find out more about the Award on the UK Government website here.

The presentation of the award was delayed for many months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read about the presentation evening here.